Final answer:
External record audits are not typically done by the medical office staff but by third-party entities or regulatory bodies. The office staff usually undertakes internal audits. Epidemiologists might conduct patient interviews after external audits to research health outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or false: external record audits are done on a periodic basis by the medical office staff. The statement is false. External record audits are typically performed by third-party auditors or regulatory agencies rather than the medical office staff itself.
The medical office staff may conduct internal audits on a periodic basis, which are crucial for compliance with healthcare regulations and for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of patient records. External audits, however, are conducted by external organizations, and they might happen due to various reasons, such as regulatory requirements or part of a routine check by health authorities.
After reviewing the medical records, epidemiologists with the public health office may conduct interviews with a randomly selected sample of patients to further investigate health outcomes or assist with public health studies and interventions.